Comics Communique

Award-winning author Warren Ellis has announced a tumblr has been created for INJECTION, the new comics series created by him, Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire at http://injectioncomic.tumblr.com/. "It's being warmed up now," he says. "More things will happen there next week -- around 9th January, I think? -- and we'll slowly crank it up towards the first issue release date of 13th May 2015. "Dec, Jordie and myself will all be active on it, and that will be our online home for the book."

• London Calling and The Iron Moon are available digitally through the ROK Comics App • Charlotte Corday Official Site:  www.charlotte-corday.com • Buy London Calling from Timebomb Comics • Buy London Calling from amazon.co.uk • Buy London Calling from amazon.com

The Sequart Organization and Respect! Films have announced the release of their latest documentary, She Makes Comics, a film spanning the history of women in comics as creators, fans, and everything in between. The film is directed by Marisa Stotter and produced by Patrick Meaney and Jordan Rennert of Respect! Films. It is executive produced by Sequart’s Julian Darius and Mike Phillips and Columbia University comics librarian Karen Green. She Makes Comics tells the little-known story of women in comics, highlighting the contributions they have made to the medium since the turn of the 20th century. It features interviews with such prominent figures as historian Trina Robbins, Captain Marvel writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, underground comics artist Joyce Farmer, former DC Comics publisher Jenette Kahn, Wendi Pini, Colleen Doran, Karen Berger, and dozens of others. She Makes Comics is now available to order on DVD and as a digital download at SheMakesComics.com. The digital version ships on 9th December. DVD orders shipping in the US and placed by 16th December will arrive in time for the holidays. Sequart and Respect!, whose previous credits include comics docs Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods, Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts, and The Image Revolution, crowdfunded She Makes Comics through Kickstarter, raising $54,000 with nearly 1500 backers. • For more information on jointly-produced Sequart / Respect! documentaries, visit the Sequart Store

US cable network AMC has ordered a pilot for a series based on Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s 1990s comic book franchise, Preacher, published by DC Comics Vertigo imprint. The Sony Pictures Television and AMC Studios co-production was developed for TV by Sam Catlin, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The original comic centred on a conflicted preacher in a small Texas town who merges with a creature that has escaped from heaven and develops the ability to make anyone do anything he says. The pilot will be produced in the summer of 2015 for series consideration in 2016.

Cliff Curtis (perhaps best known as Javier Acosta, Head of the Los Angelicosin the now-cancelled FOX show Gang Related) has snagged the starring role in the new pilot for the untitled companion series to The Walking Dead from Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson. The new show will explore the onset of the same zombie apocalypse as the hit AMC show, but takes place at a different location. Curtis will play Sean Cabrera, a teacher who shares a son with his ex-wife Andrea.

We're pleased to report a revamp of our ROK Comics App, which brings together all your ROK Comics – and more! – in one place for your iPad and iPhone. The app is the place where you’ll find all the ROK audio comics old and new - Team M.O.B.I.L.E., The Beatles Story (also available as a separate dedicated app), Houdini Adventures and a number of comics published in partnership with other comics producers. The ROK Comics-produced regular anthology comic, PULSE, featuring action-adventure comics produced in partnership with Markosia Enterprises, featuring Dinocorps, Endangered Weapon B, Serpent Wars and Team M.O.B.I.L.E will relaunch in early 2015 and is only available through the ROK Comics App for iPad. Two 'taster' editions are available now. The iPad version of our ROK Comics hub also features an in-app version of “Comics Communique” offering comics news from around the globe, updated regularly. Key Features • Current and back issues of every ROK Comics title, many fully-fledged audio comics • PULSE Comic: a new action adventure comics anthology, available as single issues or on subscription (relaunching in 2015 - two 'taster' issues are available now) • Comics and graphic novels from ROK Comics partners including The Iron Moon by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page and STRIP: The Adventure Comic Magazine from Print Media Productions • Comics Communique, our regularly updated comics newsfeed (currently only available on the iPad as well direct via tumblr) • Download the ROK Comics app for your iPad or iPhone from iTunes

• There's more information here and covers of the new books here on the Drawn & Quarterly web site

Sony has announced its first original series based on the comic book with the same name, Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming's super-powered crime series Powers. The show was originally developed for the FX network (which worked on the concept for over four years), and Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton told the Wall Street Journal the production budget and quality would be similar to programs on HBO and Showtime. The series will follow two detectives solving crimes committed by supernatural beings.

It's the end of the trail for Jonah Hex. Writer Jimmy Palmiotti has just announced he has just written the last page of "Jonah Hex he will probably ever write in a public Facebook post. "Gonna fix myself a shot of whiskey, chase it with a beer and stare at the original art on my wall of the first issue cover of the first issue Justin and I wrote together way back when. It's been fun." Both All Star Western and Batwing, which Jimmy also wrote, launched in 2011 as part of DC Comics 52 Reboot, have been cancelled, along with Birds of Prey, written by Christy Marx.

• The June edition of PREVIEWS goes on sale at your local comic shop or specialty store on Wednesday 28th May 2014

Strap on your rocket packs and go for a wild ride with Buck Rogers in Diamond PREVIEWS Exclusive limited edition Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: Grievous Angels Volume 1 Hardcover Graphic Novel from Hermes Press. The iconic character, who first sprang to fame as a hugely-popular syndicated newspaper strip in the 1930s, is back in a new science fiction adventure that contains time travel, action-packed battles and favourite classic characters all captured in a high-quality hardcover edition. The graphic novel can only be pre-ordered now at your local comic shop from Diamond's May PREVIEWS catalog, and is scheduled to arrive in shops late July 2014. Self-published and critically-acclaimed creator and former writer for publishers DC, Marvel, and Image, the talented Howard Chaykin reintroduces one of science fiction’s iconic creations in a limited edition hard cover. In Grievous Angels, World War I hero Buck Rogers is suspended in time, waking up to find its 500 years in the future and the world has been fragmented by war and is ruled by the overpowering Chinese. Using his comic book knowledge and creativity, Howard Chaykin has captured the beauty and adventures of the four Buck Rogers comics released in 2013 and arranged them into the exclusive hardcover volume, Grievous Angels, in addition to adding bonus material including interviews, original artwork, script examples, and pin-ups. • To pre-order this time traveling collectible (PREVIEWS Item Code: MAY141448, SRP $17.99, page 372),, find a local comic shop at www.comicshoplocator.com.

The dates for this year’s much-loved Malta Comic Con were announced last week by organisers Wicked Comics. The popular event, which promotes both burgeoning local talent and regularly includes British comic creators on the guest list, will be back on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November at St. James Cavalier in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. While the guest list is still under wraps, Chris Le Galle, co-founder of Wicked Comics, the event’s organisers, did tell us the majority of guests would be from the UK – but for now, swore us to secrecy on the confirmed guests, who will be announced later. (It’s looking like a great line up of talent so far). Past guests have included Sean Azzopardi, Mike Carey, Dave Gibbons, Dez Skinn, Chris J. Thompson, Mike Collins, Richmond Clements (who reported their 2013 event for us here), David Lloyd, Sean Phillips, Dave Windett, Tim Perkins, Emma Vieceli and many, many more. Chris tells us that a lot of people have commented that the Malta Comic Convention 2013 was one of the best shows they have ever been to, so expectations will be high for 2014, with the St. James Cavalier venue, originally a bastion -part of the fortifications of the City - constructed by the Knights Hospitallers - will be abuzz with comics creativity. "I enjoyed my stay at the Malta Comic Con,” enthused acclaimed comic writer Ales Kot after the show. “It's a show that is finding itself -- and observing the process, and being able to help with it a little, has been an adventure in itself. The enthusiasm and focus of the organizers is inspiring. I believe in the Malta Comic Con, and I wish them my best." “Way back in 2009, when we gave Malta its first ever comic convention our goal was that in five years we establish the show as one of the biggest, awesome and genuinely anticipated festivals on the Island,” says Chris Le Galle. “The amazing response we received last year (we almost doubled the attendees of the previous year, amongst which was the Honourable Dr. Joseph Muscat. the Prime Minister of Malta!) confirmed that we achieved this goal. “Consequently, we are proud to say that the Malta Comic Convention is now a credible destination for both professionals working in the industry and for those who have the comic culture at heart. We would like to thank all the many people who have helped us make this possible and promise to deliver another explosive family oriented event this year.” So, what’s not appealing about a weekend in the sun as winter looms here, and a plenty of comics, cosplay and other events to keep you more than occupied? Fans can look forward to feeling that amazing rush of meeting with their favourite creators who are always happy to chat, sign and sketch for their fans. Complementing the killer roster of guests will be a number of up and coming creators from abroad as well as the best local creators on the Island promoting work. The official Malta Comic Con Cosplay competition is also being revamped so people can once again look forward to meeting all those lovely people in a plethora of different shiny costumes. The video game area will once again be buzzing with activity and the fan favourite competitions will also be returning. There will also be more table top gaming that there has ever been before. Free movies and animations will be running in the in house cinema for the duration of the show. Fans can also look forward to much more exciting activities such as work shops, informative and entertaining talks, Q&As and discussion panels! And rounding all of will be a number of mind-blowing exhibitions. There will be something for everyone! • Wicked Comics have designed a number of packages for fans wishing to travel to the Malta Comic Con from abroad (details here on the event's web site), which include heavily discounted accommodation rates and local transport from hotel to convention centre. Similarly, Wicked Comics have a number of packages tailored for foreign creators who wish to exhibit at the Malta Comic Con including heavily discounted tables (details here). • Anyone wishing to know more about these packages, and local creators/retailers wishing to exhibit at the Malta Comic Con 2014 should email organisers Wicked Comics for more details on [email protected] • For more details kindly visit: www.maltacomic-con.com, follow them on Twitter or find them on Facebook • Read Richmond Clements report of the 2012 Malta Comic Con  

The latest issue of BBC Doctor Who Adventures magazine is out now in the UK, and is offering a special money off deal for all Doctor Who goodies available at the online bbcshop.com – so don’t miss it. And there's a also a pretty impressive competition to win a new TV, PS4 Doctor Who Series 7 DVD box set and Lego Ninjago sets in the issue, as well as the usual mix of features, fun and comic strip. The issue is packed with monster scares – including facts about those well-known hunters, the Slitheen. You’ll also get: · A free monster stationery set · Fun with the Alien Babies · Interview with a sinister Silurian · Find out if your mate is a monster. (This could save you life!) · Strax’s guide to the Doctor’s friend Clara. · Make a Dalek! · Secrets about the Eleventh Doctor. · Things get chilly in an exciting comic strip featuring an unseen adventure with the Eleventh Doctor and Clara. · All this, plus three posters, puzzles and loads of monster fun… • Doctor Who Adventures Issue 345 is on sale now until 20th May, priced £2.99. Web: www.dwamag.com

British publisher Myriad Editions have announced the shortlist for this year’s First Graphic Novel Competition and top comics expertPaul Gravett will be hosting the Award Evening with the finalists and judges in the Conference Centre at the British Library on 23rd May, as part of the events programme for the venue's huge Comics Unmasked exhibition, which runs through the summer. The Myriad First Graphic Novel Competition is a biennial competition open to all previously unpublished cartoonists, writers and artists. Following the 2012 success of Gareth Brookes’ The Black Project, the winner of the latest competition is announced at this special event in the presence of the judges, who include novelist Meg Rosoff and cartoonist Woodrow Phoenix. The biennial competition offers the winner the chance to develop their work with Myriad Editions with a view to contract and publication.As well as a £1000 top prize, the winner will be offered an odditional prize of a week-log retreat in a studio in France. "The shortlist is on amazing reflection of what's happening right now in graphic novels," says Corinne Pearlman. "Four of the works are graphic memoir and two are fiction; five are by women; three involve health issues." The finalists are: Panic Attacks by Francesca Cassavati Moving from London to Paris sounded wonderful, with the promise of a new life and new friends. Within a few years that illusion would be shattered. What happens when a child grows up living a lie of the happy family? For the Love of God, Marie by Jade Sarson Marie is a girl with the gift of understanding, who is often misunderstood. This graphic novel follows her life and loves, as she tries to understand and love those few special people who need her help to be themselves. Elsie Harris Picture Palace by Jessica Martin A rags to riches romance that begins in the film industry of the Thirties, the story charts the fortunes of Londoner Elsie Harris from a ‘Nippy’ at the Lyons Corner House to international film director in the forties and fifties. Hole in The Heart by Henny Beaumont When the hospital registrar tells you that your new baby might have Down’s Syndrome, the diagnosis may change your life forever Sack, Crack & Back (& Brain) by Robert Wells Twenty-five years of chronic – and mostly very embarrassing – health problems may not be the easiest of tales to tell, but Robert Wells promises plenty of laughs as he gets to grips Mumoirs by Wallis Eates Wallis Eates grew up as the only child of a single mother, in an era when everyone from Margaret Thatcher to Madonna had something to say about single mothers and fatherless children... • Check out the six finalists’ entries here • You can book tickets here for £5/£4/£3

Britain's The Observer newspaper launched the 2014 Jonathan Cape/Observer/Comica graphic short story competition on Sunday. The winner will receive a cheque for £1,000 and the winning story will be published in the Observer New Review in November. Now in its seventh year, the newspaper says "this graphic short story prize has established itself as the one to win if you want to make an impact in the world of graphic novels and beyond. Even runners-up have found themselves feted in ways they might not have predicted only a few years ago. "In 2012, for example, our 2009 runner-up Joff Winterhart, was shortlisted alongside Hilary Mantel for best novel in the Costa book awards for his superb Days of the Bagnold Summer. Meanwhile, two previous winners - Stephen Collins, who won the prize in 2010, and Isabel Greenberg, who carried it off in 2011 – published their first books last year to ringing acclaim. Raymond Briggs praised Collins'sThe Gigantic Beard That Was Evil as "amazing" and "completely original" before it was even published, while Mark Haddon, among others, paid tribute to Greenberg's The Encyclopedia of Early Earth as 'a celebration of storytelling itself... strange and wry and funny and beautifully drawn'." Isabel Greenberg is one of the competition's judges this year, joining the regular panel (Dan Franklin, publisher at Jonathan Cape, Suzanne Dean, creative director of Random House, Paul Gravett, director of the Comica festival and the Observer's Rachel Cooke) as well as the actor, comedian and writer Peter Serafinowicz. If you're thinking of entering, visit capegraphicshortstoryprize.co.uk. You will also want to take a look at Shorties, a free e-comic that showcases a line-up of favourite entries from the early years of the prize. "The talent on view there is impressive - but please don't let that put you off," say the organisers. "It is intended to inspire. And we hope to receive a record number of entries in 2014."